3ds Max
Unreal Engine
3ds Max
Unreal Engine
3ds Max
Unreal Engine
3ds Max
Unreal Engine
3ds Max
Unreal Engine
3ds Max
Unreal Engine
3ds Max
No signals
Unreal Engine
3ds Max
No signals
Unreal Engine
Users: 1 user
Storage: N/A
Limits: Most expensive per-year option ($3,060/year). No ownership, subscription required to continue.
Users: 1 user
Storage: N/A
Limits: Windows only. No perpetual option, must renew annually. Very expensive for individuals.
Users: 1 user
Storage: N/A
Limits: Annual gross revenue must be under $100,000 USD. Cannot use on projects valued over $100,000 USD.
Users: Unlimited
Limits: Royalty applies to all revenue regardless of collection method; cannot use for non-game commercial without enterprise license
Users: 1 seat
Limits: Must contact Epic for enterprise support; separate from gaming use
Users: Unlimited
Limits: Must accept Epic Games Store exclusivity terms to avoid UE5 royalty
Users: Unlimited
Limits: Only for non-interactive content; games or simulations require standard or enterprise license
| Feature | 3ds Max | Unreal Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Modeling | ||
| Polygon Modeling Powerful modifier stack system | ||
| NURBS Modeling Full support | ||
| Graphics | ||
| Nanite virtualized geometry Automatic LOD for film-quality assets | ||
| Lumen global illumination Real-time lighting without baking | ||
| Rendering | ||
| Arnold Renderer Included in subscription | ||
| V-Ray Support Separate license required | ||
| Corona Support Separate license required | ||
| Development | ||
| Blueprint visual scripting Full games without C++ | ||
| C++ programming Required for performance-critical code | ||
| 2D game support Paper2D underdeveloped | ||
| Source code access Full engine source on GitHub | ||
| Content | ||
| Marketplace assets Thousands of free assets from Epic | ||
| Animation | ||
| Character Animation Capable but Maya preferred | ||
| Platform | ||
| Mobile optimization Poor - large builds, battery drain | ||
| VR/AR support Excellent for high-end VR | ||
| Cross-platform export PC, console, mobile, web | ||
| Mac Support Windows only | ||
| Effects | ||
| Particle Systems Particle Flow system | ||
| Integration | ||
| CAD Import Strong Autodesk ecosystem | ||
| Extensibility | ||
| MAXScript Scripting and automation | ||
| Python Support Limited compared to Maya | ||
| Networking | ||
| Multiplayer built-in Has architectural issues for competitive games | ||
| Texturing | ||
| UV Mapping Standard toolset | ||
| Pricing | ||
| Free tier Completely free until $1M revenue | ||
